Decreased serotonin transporter binding in unaffected relatives of manic depressive patients

Citation
M. Leboyer et al., Decreased serotonin transporter binding in unaffected relatives of manic depressive patients, BIOL PSYCHI, 46(12), 1999, pp. 1703-1706
Citations number
25
Categorie Soggetti
Neurosciences & Behavoir
Journal title
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
ISSN journal
00063223 → ACNP
Volume
46
Issue
12
Year of publication
1999
Pages
1703 - 1706
Database
ISI
SICI code
0006-3223(199912)46:12<1703:DSTBIU>2.0.ZU;2-J
Abstract
Background: There are numerous reports of decreased binding to platelet ser otonin transporter (5-HTT) in depression, suggesting that it might be consi dered a trait marker of depression. To further investigate whether reduced 5-HTT function could be an endophenotype in manic depressive illness, we lo oked for abnormalities of platelet 5-HTT among subjects who are potential c arriers of genetic vulnerability to manic depressive illness (MDI). Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 20 unaffected relatives from fami lies with at least two individuals with bipolar disorder and from 19 contro l participants. Plasma 5-HIAA, platelet 5-HT, and [H-3] imipramine binding were measured Results: Unaffected relatives manifested lower platelet 5-HTT function than control participants as revealed both by reduced number and diminished aff inity of imipramine binding sites and diminished platelet 5-HT content. Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that reduced 5-HTT function could be considered a trait marker or an endophenotype in MDI. Biol Psychia try 1999;46: 1703-1706 (C) 1999 Society of Biological Psychiatry.